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These are hands-down the fluffiest, melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes you’ll ever taste (see ya later, box mix!). Tested, loved, and devoured by thousands, this 20-minute recipe is virtually foolproof.

Pair these pancakes with Breakfast Fruit Salad and Sheet Pan Eggs to save stove space!

Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.
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world’s Fluffiest Pancakes

If you’ve ever turned to boxed pancake mix for those Saturday morning breakfasts (no judgment—we’ve all been there), it’s time to up your game!

Making pancakes from scratch is way easier than you think, and guess what? You probably already have all the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.

These fluffy buttermilk pancakes are what dreams are made of (we’re talking light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth good). One bite will have you seriously questioning why you ever settled for Bisquick. Let’s do this!

Reader rating

★★★★★

“Excellent, fluffy and delicious!” —Ronda

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Stack of buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate with a wedge cut out of it.

Will powdered buttermilk work?

I prefer using fresh buttermilk here, which has a nicer flavor and thicker texture. In a pinch, you could use powdered buttermilk, but the flavor won’t be quite as good.

Ingredients needed to make buttermilk pancakes.
Mixing pancake batter.
Lumps are your friend! Overmixing the batter can make your pancakes dense and tough.

What does buttermilk do?

You may be wondering, “Why buttermilk in pancakes?” To which I would say, “Because MAGIC”. Buttermilk works wonders for making your pancakes fluffy and tender. The acidity in the buttermilk reacts with baking soda to make these the fluffiest pancakes (no baking powder needed).

Buttermilk pancake on a spatula.
Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.

Switch It Up!

Gluten-Free: I haven’t tried a gluten-free version of these buttermilk pancakes, but you can try our gluten-free banana pancakes if you’re looking for something similar!

Berry-Licious: Add frozen or fresh fruit (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries would be delish!) directly into the batter before cooking.

Protein Punch: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder in place of some flour for a post-workout breakfast with an extra protein kick!

Whole Wheat: For a healthier twist, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. (You’ll get a nice nutty flavor and boost the fiber content!)

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes (No Baking Powder)

4.73 from 11 ratings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pancakes
These melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes are the fluffiest ever—tested and loved by thousands! A foolproof 20-minute recipe that beats any box mix.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, 240 g
  • 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk, 480 mL
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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Instructions 

  • Stir Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
    Mixing the dry ingredients for pancakes.
  • Stir Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. While whisking, streamin ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted). Its okay if the butter solidifes a bit when it hits the milk.
    Mixing the wet ingredients for pancakes.
  • Stir It All Together: Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until mostly combined (some lumps in the batter are okay, do not over-stir). Let pancake batter rest while you heat the pan (it's best to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cooking).
    Mixing pancake batter.
  • Cook: Lightly grease a large nonstick skillet and set over medium/low heat. Spoon ½-cup portions of pancake batter into the pan, cooking until you see bubbles form on top and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown.
    Buttermilk pancake on a spatula in a pan.
  • Serve: Keep cooked pancakes warm until serving by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or by placing on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
    Buttermilk pancakes on a serving plate.

Nutrition

Serving: 3pancakes | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.8g | Protein: 13.8g | Fat: 12.8g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 990mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 15.2g | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3.4mg

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!

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4.73 from 11 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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16 Comments

  1. Cali says:

    5 stars
    These are awesome! I used a bit extra buttermilk because the batter seemed a bit thick (and I needed to use the rest of it). They turned out extremely light and fluffy on the inside. I would 100% recommend this to others!!

    1. Sarah says:

      YAY! So happy to hear it, Cali! Enjoy! 😀

  2. Ronda Jackson says:

    Excellent, fluffy and delicious!

  3. Steve says:

    5 stars
    I didn’t have Buttermilk so I substituted with Yoghurt plus a couple of spoons of water to adjust the consistency, works well and also ate some with yoghurt and some plum compote. The last bit of batter I poured into the pan and just before flipping it over I sprinkled some raw sugar and a little cinnamon, makes crunchy little coating and nice to eat hot by its self or a little butter.

  4. Steve korn says:

    5 stars
    The Fluffy Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes recipe is my go-to recipe for years. Blueberries are a must. The trick is to get the pan just the right temperature…not too hot and not too cool. I make a double-batch, use up a quart of Buttermilk, and freeze the extras.

    1. Sarah Bond says:

      I’m so happy to hear it, Steve! 😀

  5. Walter says:

    5 stars
    We have always used boxed mixes, but after seeing the photos we tried your recipe. Really only a bit more time consuming, and oh so good.

    1. Sarah Bond says:

      I’m so happy to hear you loved it! 🙂

  6. Deb says:

    3 stars
    Just made your pancake recipe this morning and was very excited! but even though they came out really fluffy I found them they have a bitter aftertaste. Could that be the baking soda causing that? Because that is the only thing I can think of.

    1. Sarah Bond says:

      Oh strange! The baking soda is the only ingredient that would cause any bitterness.

  7. Dennis Watson says:

    5 stars
    Always have been a Bisquick man, but these are my new go to pancakes!

  8. graciela Ramirez says:

    4 stars
    Thank you soo much, will try it. God bless.

  9. Joy Panem says:

    Thank you for sharing your recipe

  10. Ronda Jackson says:

    5 stars
    My family loved this!

    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Thanks for making it and sharing!